The job search competition is fierce. There is no way to deny that. All the career gurus are advising you to build your brand, get online, tap into the hidden market, launch a strategic job search campaign…but, have we failed to divulge you must be a superstar!?
With so many qualified professionals seeking employment, it is not enough you are competent, smart, and experienced. Nope, it is not. Your self-marketing must pack power, make a memorable impression, and “wow” your prospective employers.
What makes one a superstar in the realm of job hunting and career management? A superstar is…
1. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) = Know your industry’s ins and outs. Stay abreast of the latest (keep your finger on the pulse), so you offer trending knowledge and competitive skills, which cannot be easily found in someone else, and, certainly, cannot be resisted.
Many professionals become comfy in their zone and don’t seek to acquire new skills. Predict what may be needed in the future in order to remain center stage.
2. Confident = No matter how strong your job search tactics, your inadequacy and insecurity will be perceived. How do you build confidence? Work on being an SME and believe in your value. Plus, be courageous and promote your talent. Moxie anyone?
So many job seekers make the mistake of not tooting their own horn (and those that easily do often shouldn’t). Know HOW you are brilliant. Ensure you can “emanate” your prowess, and, ooh baby— let the world see your glow!
3. Singing the Right Tune to the Right Audience = This is where the topic of personal brand needs to be clarified. Many job seekers are now focusing on personal branding, but guess what— if your personal brand (reputation) is not aimed at the right audience or is not ‘beaming’ the right message, your personal brand equals — nada! Without the right message (super-stardom), you are one of many who just slapped on the “brand” label to a nothing-special candidacy; this, making your light as dim as the rest.
4. Packaged as a Star = Hey, listen, I am no Beyonce. I promise you that. My point is a polished online presentation, professional resume, attractive business cards, and elegant attire does matter! Sprinkle some stardust on your candidate packaging; twinkle with the right brand as a subject matter expert and with confidence at the right audience; and then gaze at how your super-stardom will star-struck all potential employers. As you radiate that special and bankable shine, someone will lasso you right into your dream job.
[This article was originally posted on an earlier date]
Rosa Elizabeth Vargas is the owner of Creating Prints, a professional resume writing service. She’s an Elite Master Resume Writer (MRW), Certified Expert Resume Writer (CERW), Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW), and Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW).
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11 Comments
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Great advice, Rosa! These are all such important points to hit on in your job search. I especially like your suggestion to become a subject matter expert. This will help you out in the interview and show you know the industry. Also, while you’re job searching, it’s important to keep up with what’s going on–so when you do re-enter the workforce you won’t be behind. It’s absolutely true that you should never stop learning and adding on to your skill set!
great post as usual, and it is a great article
relates to the jobs and thanks for highlighting
the points that job seekers needs.
Colette Knight,
I thought I had enough experience to do the job but I’m wrong. I’m very confident during interviews but I am not hired. Then I realize that in my chosen field I still need more skills and experience to pursue this field.
For the past one month I have a friend who is finding job and he didn’t land any job. Its for an SEO specialist position. The reason is he needs more experience. He choose freelancing as of this moment.
There's a lot out there about personal branding, tooting your own horn and the elevator pitch. I read a great article yesterday, that talked about how to talk about yourself without sounding “pitchy”. I know we're trying to sell ourselves, but just spouting a list of accomplishments can sound so canned. The article instead suggested you speak on your motivations. What gets you going in the morning? What are you thinking about in the shower that makes you unable to wait to get to work? Speaking on your internal motivations instead of your external accomplishments immediately makes you more likable and easier for an interviewer to relate to. If you would like the link to the article, let me know and I will forward it to you.
On a related note, when it comes to reading articles and staying abreast of hot topics in my field, I tend read information geared toward people at higher levels than I am currently. I figure if I start to become familiar with topics of concern for those with the VP or C-Level jobs, I have an excellent chance of scoring that Specialist position for which I'm interviewing. I may be young, but my knowledge about the field I'm in should make promotions come that much easier.
Good points for those of us who may not think of ourselves as superstars. One way to toot without being so uncomfortable is to ask people you worked with about the results you got, how they felt about working with you. There will be great quote sound bites you can sprinkle in your conversation. Nothing like letting someone else toot your horn for you.
There's a lot out there about personal branding, tooting your own horn and the elevator pitch. I read a great article yesterday, that talked about how to talk about yourself without sounding “pitchy”. I know we're trying to sell ourselves, but just spouting a list of accomplishments can sound so canned. The article instead suggested you speak on your motivations. What gets you going in the morning? What are you thinking about in the shower that makes you unable to wait to get to work? Speaking on your internal motivations instead of your external accomplishments immediately makes you more likable and easier for an interviewer to relate to. If you would like the link to the article, let me know and I will forward it to you.
On a related note, when it comes to reading articles and staying abreast of hot topics in my field, I tend read information geared toward people at higher levels than I am currently. I figure if I start to become familiar with topics of concern for those with the VP or C-Level jobs, I have an excellent chance of scoring that Specialist position for which I'm interviewing. I may be young, but my knowledge about the field I'm in should make promotions come that much easier.
I’m interested in the link to the article that you mentioned. could you send to me?
Good points for those of us who may not think of ourselves as superstars. One way to toot without being so uncomfortable is to ask people you worked with about the results you got, how they felt about working with you. There will be great quote sound bites you can sprinkle in your conversation. Nothing like letting someone else toot your horn for you.
Well said. I am a freelance writer by profession and I do realise the importance of personal branding. As you said, it cant be done overnight. takes a lot of efforts and identifying your targeted market is very important here. Blowing your own trumpet for the heck of it doesnt really pay.
Quite helpful, I must say.
Thanks.